MLSsoccer.com's Extra Time Radio caught up with LA Galaxy Vice President of Soccer Operations Pete Vagenas to discuss the LA Galaxy Academy's blending learning program and the integration between all facets of the club's pyramid.
Speaking with MLSsoccer.com editor Andrew Wiebe, Vagenas talked about a myriad of topics including his rapid ascent up the Galaxy latter but stressed that the Galaxy is at the forefront a league-wide movement that is seeing MLS teams develop into clubs beyond just their first team.
"Very much Major League Soccer was made up of first teams who would play on the weekend, and that was it. You've seen over the years; these teams develop into clubs. The natural progression is the production and protection of our assets, and that's our players," Vagenas said. "For us, we have an incredible opportunity to operate our business efficiently, and that starts by developing our best players, not simply acquiring them. In my ideal world, you're looking at an LA Galaxy team that will continue to spend to bring in the biggest stars in the world, and they will stand side-by-side with players are grown from within our club."
